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Job Description
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.
About the Department:
Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.
DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.
SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.
About the Position:
The position supports the marketing plan for the University in alignment with Development and External Affairs goals and SMU’s strategic plan. The Designer reports to the Creative Director and is involved in all phases of print and digital production, such as ideation and conceptualization, client presentation, revisions, design, creating accurate files for output to press, and archiving files. As needed, obtains estimates, creates schedules and proactively communicates status to project managers. Performs other duties as assigned. The position supports the department’s efforts for fundraising, alumni engagement and undergraduate recruitment.
Essential Functions:
Produce creative work independently, as well as collaborate on projects with other creative and marketing professionals. Create original files, update existing files. Attend press checks to ensure quality of printing. Uphold brand and graphic standards, produce, maintain and update electronic files for university logos, stationery, related collateral materials and maps. Preparing electronic files
Coordinate proofreading, photography and approvals for assigned projects. Work with vendors to obtain estimates as needed. Update job tracking database to track assigned projects from beginning to end, ensuring the movement of materials through all phases including draft copy, layouts, proofreading, printing and required approvals. Convey information in a timely manner among staff and vendors.
Serve as resource and support for university clients. Provide logos, scans and maps files. Assist clients with program application problems relating to files provided or direct them to someone who can help.
Seek inspiration beyond higher education with a vision for industry innovation and shares knowledge with colleagues regarding emerging trends in design, multimedia, and branding. Keeps up to date on current professional activities (software and technology training, graphic design seminars, etc.).
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in graphic design or related field.
A minimum of three years of design experience is required. Experience working in a team environment is also required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must possess strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to successfully work with clients and colleagues. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills with ability to produce error-free written communications. Strong listening and negotiation skills required.
Candidate must possess strong organizational and planning skills, including the ability to prioritize workload and simultaneously work on multiple projects with varying deadlines. Must also have the ability to work in team situations effectively, cooperatively, and courteously, with sensitivity to others and a commitment to resolve conflict appropriately. A strong focus on attention to detail, speed and accuracy in producing design files is required.
Candidate must have strong problems solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems. Must also demonstrate resourcefulness in finding, presenting and implementing appropriate solutions to problems. Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities is essential.
Candidate must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Word. Experience and/or a strong knowledge of InCopy and/or PowerPoint preferred.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
The position is open until filled.
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 30, 2022.
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU’s retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn’t just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.
